Introduction
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious dish that beautifully blends crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet sauce and crunchy walnuts. This popular dish, often found in Asian-American cuisine, is perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll guide you through making your own Honey Walnut Shrimp, bringing a taste of the restaurant right to your home!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Honey Walnut Sauce
- ½ cup of honey
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
For the Walnuts
- 1 cup of walnuts
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of water
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
- In a saucepan, combine the walnuts, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the walnuts, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the walnuts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: place the cornstarch in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the flour in a third.
- Dip each shrimp first in the cornstarch, then in the egg, and finally coat with flour.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Walnut Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy shrimp with the honey walnut sauce until fully coated.
- Gently fold in the candied walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Step 1: Plate the Dish
Serve your Honey Walnut Shrimp hot, garnished with extra walnuts and chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Step 2: Enjoy!
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for an impressive meal. With crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and sweet walnuts, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a night in, this recipe is a fantastic choice!